19 Jun 2017

My employer says my I-140 was approved, but he won’t provide me with a copy of the approval notice. Is there any way I can get a copy of it, even without the receipt number?

Attorney In this situation, one could submit a request to the USCIS under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and, typically, obtain a copy of much of the I-140 filing. (19.Jun.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

19 Jun 2017

I am in H1B status. Can I file two change-of-status applications at the same time – one for H-4 status, and the other for F-1?

Attorney There is nothing prohibiting multiple filings. However, the general rule is that the last approval will govern one's status. So, once the desired application is approved, it is important to withdraw the unwanted application, to avoid ending up in the "wrong" (unwanted) status. Unfortunately, even...

12 Jun 2017

Can a one-year, online master’s program be used to qualify for the H1B master’s cap? Can the degree be used to qualify for an EB2 position?

Answer A master's degree from an accredited public university would normally be acceptable for both purposes, regardless of whether or not the classes are taken online. (12.Jun.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real...

12 Jun 2017

I submitted my application for U.S. citizenship, but forgot to mention something in the application. Can I add this information during the interview? Will this negatively impact my application?

Answer Errors on the N-400 are routinely corrected at the interview, and would not normally have a negative effect. (12.Jun.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click...

09 Jun 2017

Can you please explain whether an academic degree obtained from a university that was accredited at the time the degree was awarded, but later lost its accreditation, …

... is still considered to be an accredited degree? Can such a degree be used to apply for immigration benefits requiring an accredited degree? Answer A degree conferred by an accredited school remains an accredited degree even if the school later loses its accreditation. The USCIS recently...